The Port Management Office of Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro, in coordination with other maritime and law enforcement agencies, is in Heightened Alert Status to ensure the safety, security, reliability, and comfort of passengers in the Ports of Cagayan de Oro, Balingoan, Balbagon, Guinsiliban and Benoni for the Semana Santa 2019.

Under the Heightened Alert Status, all ports are directed to intensify target-hardening measures and implement enhanced security procedures 24/7, including stringent security screening and tighter access controls, and ensure direct communication lines with the Department of Transportation (DOTr)’s Action Center. PMO MOC also maintains direct communication lines with its own Command Center for reports on unusual incidents and operational/emergency concerns.  In addition, tarpaulins were displayed in the conspicuous spots in the ports containing the action center hotline.

MALASAKIT Help Desks or Passenger Help Desk Assistance Centers were again activated particularly at the Ports of Cagayan de Oro, Balingoan, and Benoni in Camiguin from 08 April to 25 April manned by PMO personnel and volunteers from other agencies such as Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), PNP Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and civic groups, among others, who were assigned in different time slots, to address inquiries and provide assistance and immediate action to the passengers’ concerns. Help Desks have first aid services and mobile phones for free calls. Meantime, PPA ensures that free drinking water, internet wifi access, and charging stations for portable gadgets are provided for the passengers, and that facilities particularly toilets and PTBs are kept clean.

In addition, the PMO established its own Task Force composed of PMO operations and security personnel who were dispatched to the ports under the PMO’s jurisdiction for keen situation monitoring and orderly port situation reporting. —IMR Lam

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